That was my statement when I gathered my Vegas Voice family to discuss this month’s special edition. Working with our sister non-profit Nevada Association to Stop Guardian & Elder Abuse we wanted to devote a “Special Edition” of this publication to our Guardianship Fundraiser event.

It was our hope that the fundraiser would be a joyous celebration of what was accomplished and to highlight guardianship reforms. We thought we made a difference, that the bad guys would (at the very least) have no choice but to act correctly and if not, the responsible government agencies and/or law enforcement would do their thing to protect us.

As I said, as of now, I admit, I was wrong.

The Vegas Voice has endeavored to report on the guardianship problems, issues and most importantly, the scandal that affects every senior. As highlighted in our May edition, we have provided not just statistics as to your chances for being sucked in to this guardianship cesspool, but to provide a face, a name, a family destroyed by this horrible system.

Perhaps you are convinced that you are too smart, too educated for this to happen to you. Or perhaps you read this and think: “There but for the grace of God, go I.” Either way, we know that it does and can happen. Even worse, recent (non)events demonstrate that this scandal will continue unless WE (meaning YOU) do something.

We need to bring seniors from across the Las Vegas Valley together and make a clear, unconditional demand: No more.

If the powers-to-be won’t change the guardianship system, seniors will.

We are attempting to do this, not with some “bring your pitchforks” event, but with smiles and enjoyment. And for that we thank entertainment editor Evan Davis for getting the best performers in town to lend their talents, their individual and collective voices for a spectacular evening of entertainment.

Why the urgency now? Despite our Vegas Voice articles, TV news segments by KTNV-ABC Channel 13 investigative reporter Darcy Spears and her producer Kean Bauman (who will both be honored at our fundraiser) and that joint task force by law enforcement, the “poster child” of this guardianship scandal, April Parks, not only remains free, but was allowed to pack-up and leave the state.

Our Vegas Voice question: Are these law enforcement agencies (including the Boulder City Police, Metro and the Nevada Attorney-General’s office) incompetent, outright stupid or corrupt? Does this rigged system pertain to these government agencies too? By the way, can you just see Ms. Parks, with a suitcase of money, laughing all the way to the bank as she waves goodbye to Nevada law enforcement, her fellow “insiders” and all the people and families she devastated?

And to add insult to injury, not only has Ms. Parks fled the state, but this month filed for bankruptcy protection in Federal Court in Pennsylvania. Do you think there will ever be justice for everything that she did?

Now, more than ever, it is imperative for YOU to show all “insiders” that this system will no longer be tolerated. Help us help those still caught up in this nightmare and those next in the guardianship line. If we don’t help ourselves, who will?

Oh, and don’t forget, it really is going to be a great show and a terrific evening.